Moscow Marks Victory Day Over Nazi Germany

Russia commemorates the Soviet Union’s Victory Day over Nazi Germany in World War II with a grand military parade on Red Square, a cornerstone of the nation’s Victory Day celebrations.

The Victory Day, steeped in patriotic fervour, drew a significant international presence, though most Western leaders were notably absent. This reflects strained geopolitical relations amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin hosted the festivities, which included a display of military hardware and speeches emphasising Russia’s historical role in defeating fascism. Among the prominent attendees were leaders from the Global South, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

However, no top Western leaders from major powers such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, or Germany were present at the Victory Day, a stark contrast to past decades when figures like U.S. President George W. Bush (2005) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (2010) have decided to attend Victory Day events.

The only European leaders confirmed to attend were Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico and representatives from Serbia, a non-EU nation with close ties to Moscow.

Their presence defied warnings from the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, who on April 15 cautioned EU leaders against participating in Moscow’s celebrations. Kallas implied there would be “consequences” for European officials attending, framing the event as a platform for Russian propaganda amid its invasion of Ukraine.

Some have criticized her statements as an attempt to enforce historical revisionism and diminish the Soviet Union’s role in liberating Europe from Nazi rule.

The absence of Western leaders underscores the deepening divide between Russia and the West, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, now in its third year. Putin has used Victory Day to draw parallels between the fight against Nazi Germany and Russia’s current military campaign, a narrative that has alienated many Western nations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky further heightened tensions by warning foreign guests that he “could not guarantee their security” in Moscow, a remark Russia condemned as a veiled threat.

The world leaders who defied the Western geopolitical correctness

Despite the boycott by most European and Western leaders, the Kremlin reported that at least 29 world leaders and military personnel from 13 countries participated in the Victory Day, signalling Russia’s efforts to counter Western isolation by strengthening ties with non-Western allies.

President Xi, described by Putin as the “main guest,” used the occasion to reaffirm his confidence in the China-Russia relationship while discussing bilateral trade and global cooperation within frameworks like BRICS.

The parade, which featured T-34 Soviet-era tanks and modern military vehicles, was preceded by a Russian-proposed three-day ceasefire in Ukraine.

However, Kyiv reported violations within hours, casting a shadow over the commemorations. Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow in the days leading up to the event also prompted temporary airport closures and internet restrictions.

For many, Victory Day remains a sacred tribute to the sacrifices of the Great Patriotic War.

Sources

• Indian Express: Xi Jinping says China-Russia ties are now ‘more confident, stable and resilient’
• PBS: Russia to host leaders of China and Brazil for the 80th anniversary of its World War II victory
• Kyiv Independent: Moscow releases guest list for Victory Day parade